There are very few things impossible in themselves; and we do not want means to conquer difficulties so much as application and resolution in the use of means.

We arrive at the various stages of life quite as novices.

We often pride ourselves on even the most criminal passions, but envy is a timid and shamefaced passion we never dare to acknowledge.

People would not long remain in social life if they were not the dupes of each other.

Eloquence: saying the proper thing and stopping.

Nothing is so contagious as example; never was there any considerable good or ill done that does not produce its like. We imitate good actions through emulation, and had ones through a malignity in our nature, which shame conceals, and example sets at liberty.

The love of new acquaintance comes not so much from being weary of what we had before, or from any satisfaction there is in change, as from the distaste we feel in being too little admired by those that know us too well, and the hope of being more admired by those that know us less.